ABC to be the exclusive Australian broadcaster of the fourth Invictus Games in Sydney 2018

Monday, September 18, 2017 —
In a celebration of courage, determination and the unbeatable human spirit, the ABC announces it will become the exclusive broadcaster of the fourth Invictus Games to be held in Sydney in October 2018.

The international multisport event, launched three years ago by Prince Harry and the Invictus Games Foundation, will see over 500 competitors head to Australia to take part in eight days of competition in the international adaptive sports event open to wounded, injured and ill veterans and serving defence personnel.

ABC’s Director of Television, David Anderson, says, “The ABC is incredibly excited to embark on this partnership with Invictus Games Sydney 2018. We look forward to capturing the spirit of the competition and inspiring audiences with not only the competitors’ sporting prowess, but with the courage of these former and serving defence personnel who have so bravely overcome adversities to represent their countries once again so admirably.”

Chairman of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d), says, “We’re delighted to welcome the ABC are our Official Broadcast Partner. As Australia’s national public broadcaster, ABC offers an impressive platform to showcase Invictus Games to all Australians.”

Before the baton is passed to Sydney, Toronto will host this year’s event. To mark this occasion, the ABC will air Unconquered: The Invictus Games (9.30pm, Monday 25 September), a documentary showcasing the inspiring stories of the men and women who will represent Australia in Canada.

Featuring special appearances from sporting icons Ian Thorpe, Nicole Livingstone and Paralympic gold medallist and Invictus Games competitor, Curtis McGrath, Unconquered: The Invictus Games introduces us to the competitors as they gear up to the event, revealing what motivates them and highlighting how their determination has helped them triumph over the physical and emotional challenges they’ve faced.

In addition to this, from the 24th of September the ABC and iview will broadcast a Daily Highlights Show fast-tracked from Toronto at 3.40pm. Audiences can also enjoy a collection of various short form content from the games on iview, including videos of competitor’s profiles and guides to the various sporting events.

ENDS

About the Invictus Games

The inaugural Invictus Games were held in London in September 2014. Athletes from 13 nations competed in nine events at the venues used for the 2012 London Olympics.

Prince Harry was inspired to create the Invictus Games after witnessing the US Warrior Games in 2013. Seeing the impact of sport physically, psychologically and socially, he was determined to create an international multi-sport event.

‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’. The name of the Invictus Games is inspired by a poem of the same name by William Ernest Henley. The last two lines of the poem encapsulate the indefatigable spirit that is at the heart of the Games: “I AM the master of my fate, I AM the captain of my soul”.

The Invictus Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for defence personnel who are striving to overcome physical and emotional challenges. It recognises the significant contribution made by family and friends in the recovery process and seeks to motivate and inspire the competitors and all who strive to triumph over adversity.

This year’s Invictus Games will take place in Toronto, Canada from 23-30 September and will bring together more than 550 competitors from 17 nations. They will take part in 11 adaptive sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, golf and the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge.

About ABC Television

ABC is the independent source of Australian conversations, culture and stories, delivering commercial-free, free-to-air screen content via a multiplatform multi-channel network. ABC is the destination of choice for viewers and users seeking quality and diversity in screen content; in particular engaging audiences in distinctly Australian content across a wide variety of genres.